Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig – Thoughts

From time to time, I like picking up non fiction that might fall into the category of self help. This seemed like one of those books initially. This is also my first Matt Haig book and a lot of my reader friends said that they had enjoyed some of his previous books and wanted to know what I thought of this one. So, I’m not sure if I picked the right Matt Haig book to read.

That said, I have mixed feelings about how I felt about the book. So here’s a bit of a summary of my thoughts on the book😊

What I liked about the book:

• I liked the fact that he was really honest in the book. He has put in his own struggles with anxiety and depression with so much honesty. He has made himself vulnerable to the world just so we can probably pick a thing or two from his struggles
• I liked the quotes and the references to multiple facts in the book
• There were some chapters that made me smile and some that I could relate to personally. Such as the bit about addiction and how fiction/reading fiction means freedom

What I didn’t like so much:

• Despite all the personal stories, anecdotes and facts referenced, it all felt too simple and it was stuff that I felt I already knew about. One way or the other. Probably a good reminder of things but still nothing that I didn’t know already
• The book is exactly what it is called- notes. Specifically notes from the author. Strange notes, notes to self, notes on conversations with turtles and the ocean. Just notes. It’s like reading someones’s notes journal and there were times when I felt slightly cheated for buying the book😊

Questions to you guys

• Have you guys read this one or any other books by Matt Haig? If yes, what were your thoughts and which other books of his would you recommend?
• What are your thoughts on books on self help? Do you think they help or do you think they sometimes just state the obvious?😊